Georgia lawmakers have taken significant steps in reshaping cannabis policies by advancing bills that expand access to medical marijuana while tightening regulations on hemp-derived THC products. These changes aim to provide more treatment options for patients while addressing public health concerns.

Medical Cannabis Program Expansion

The Georgia Senate recently passed Senate Bill 220, also known as the Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act, which introduces major updates to the state’s medical marijuana program. The key changes include:

• Higher THC Limits: The maximum THC content in medical cannabis products will increase from 5% to 50%, allowing patients with qualifying conditions to access stronger medication.
• More Qualifying Conditions: The bill adds lupus to the list of approved conditions and removes restrictions that previously required illnesses like cancer and Parkinson’s disease to be in severe or end-stage form for eligibility.
• Expanded Consumption Methods: The bill permits vaping of medical cannabis, an option that was previously banned, offering quicker relief for patients who need immediate effects.

Bill sponsor Senator Matt Brass emphasized the importance of these changes, noting that some patients “may need this medicine to work a little bit faster than one hour or two hours.”

Despite the support for expanded access, some lawmakers expressed concerns. Senator Ed Setzler cautioned that long-term marijuana use could have significant effects on brain function, while Senator Randy Robertson labeled medical cannabis a potential “gateway drug.”

The bill passed in the Senate with a 39-17 vote and now moves to the House for further discussion.

Stronger Hemp Product Regulations

At the same time, the Senate has introduced stricter oversight of hemp-derived THC products, particularly those containing delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC, which have gained popularity due to their psychoactive effects.

Two bills, Senate Bill 33 and Senate Bill 254, address these concerns:

• Senate Bill 33, introduced by Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, mandates testing and clear labeling for products containing compounds like delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) to ensure consumer safety.
• Senate Bill 254, backed by Senator Bill Cowsert, initially aimed to regulate THC content in cannabis-infused drinks. However, a last-minute amendment led to an outright ban on all THC beverages, citing potential public safety risks.

Cowsert defended the decision by comparing high-THC drinks to “a loaded gun”, stating that eliminating them entirely was necessary to prevent potential harm.

Both bills received broad support, with SB 33 passing 50-6 and SB 254 passing 42-14. They now head to the House for further review.

Industry and Consumer Reactions

These new measures have sparked mixed reactions from business owners and consumers. Joe Salome, co-founder of Georgia Hemp Co., voiced concerns about the beverage ban, explaining that THC-infused drinks make up around 20% of his company’s revenue and additional restrictions could put financial pressure on hemp businesses.

Meanwhile, supporters of medical cannabis expansion welcomed the changes, arguing that higher THC limits and alternative consumption methods would make treatment more effective for those with chronic illnesses.

What’s Next?

As these bills move to the House of Representatives, further debates and possible amendments will determine their final form. With the legislative session concluding on April 4, lawmakers have a limited timeframe to finalize the measures.

Georgia’s evolving cannabis policies reflect a balancing act—expanding medical marijuana access while reinforcing regulations on hemp products. Stakeholders, from patients to business owners, will be closely watching the next steps as the legislative process unfolds.